Capitals News

ARLINGTON, Va. – Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson, mascot Slapshot and 100 Caps fans participated in a Capitals service project to help clean up Fort Dupont Ice Arena in Southeast Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 2.

Saturday marked the third-consecutive year that the Capitals and their fans have joined together to help spruce up Fort Dupont. As volunteers checked in, they signed up for various projects and received T-shirts courtesy of the Capitals. The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Elizabeth Wodatch, director of community relations for the Capitals, and Ty Newberry, general manager of Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Carlson, Slapshot and the Caps volunteers then went to work on indoor projects that included waxing the boards, cleaning the glass, painting the lobby and hallway behind the bleachers, cleaning hockey equipment, putting together goals and organizing hockey equipment. Some volunteers also worked on outdoor projects that included washing windows, weeding and mulching tree boxes and flower beds and raking leaves. Music was played to keep all of the volunteers motivated and in high spirits as they worked hard on their tasks.

“It’s always nice to come and help out such an important ice rink in Washington, D.C.,” said Carlson. “Fort Dupont is a really great facility and anything I can do to help keep it clean for the kids, I’m all for.”

After the projects were finished and supplies were cleaned up, the volunteers were again thanked for their hard work and dedication. All of the participants were then treated to a pizza lunch.

The Washington Capitals and Fort Dupont have a long-standing partnership. In November Caps forward Joel Ward presented a check to Fort Dupont from Washington Capitals Charities for $45,000. Fort Dupont is also one of the Capitals’ seven platinum-level rink partners.

Fort Dupont is the only public indoor ice arena located in Washington, D.C., and the only skating facility in the area that provides free or subsidized skating programs to children. Its Kids On Ice program provides free figure skating, hockey and speed skating lessons to economically disadvantaged children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn these sports. Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena partners with public and private schools, summer camps, churches and local community organizations to promote and deliver its programs to more than 7,000 children per year.